The Home Depot, Inc. · Atlanta, GA United States ·(NYSE: HD)

When embarking on household projects, many start their journey at The Home Depot. As the world's largest home improvement chain and second-largest retailer in the US after Wal-Mart, the firm operates about 2,200 stores across North America, Puerto Rico, and China, as well as an e-commerce site. It targets the do-it-yourself and professional markets with its selection of about 40,000 items, including lumber, flooring, plumbing, gardening supplies, tools, paint, and appliances. The Home Depot also offers carpeting, cabinetry, and other installation services. In response to angry shareholders, the retailer decided in 2008 that it will close its EXPO, THD Design Center, and Yardbirds stores. To read the full description, subscribe now.